O72 switch problem

hey mlewski,

This configuration should work. No power district separation. All one. You could extend the insulated rail a little with a 301x-S at each track joint and move the pin.

The switches may react quicker on accessory voltage rather than track power.

Mlewski,

    I found when I layout out my double cross overs with both the 711's and the 51's everything worked much better if I put a 1/2 track between the back to back switches with the correct insulating pins.

PCRR/Dave

I'm here now and will give it a try and report back in a few minutes. thanks I am having some trouble with the switch motors themselves. I will check back when I get them all working right.

This can definitely work, I have done it many times.  Moonman shows the correct pin configuration.  If you are separating the two main lines into blocks then you end up with three insulating pins - every rail between the switches, this is very awkward if you cant screw things down.  Putting a short piece of track between as Dave mentioned simplifies things.  Using the fixed voltage plug is really better too.

Thank you all. I think I can get it to work now,  Mike

ALL IS WELL NOW THANKS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF SOME NICE PEOPLE.  THANKS AGAIN,  MIKE

Mike:

I don't know what the clearance is like on the rest of your layout, but if you put the half-tracks between the switches as Dave suggests, it will not only make the wiring easier, but you can flip your switch machines to the inside which might give you more room if this junction is on the outer table edge.

With the switch machines in that arrangement, you can also place something like a 356 Operating Station between the switches to complete the scene.

Food for thought, anyway.

SJS

Good to hear it all worked out. Now on to building the railroad.

Oh, by the way, the 301xS is the 2" straight.

Why all the isolated joints? You should only have to isolate the center rail since all of the outer rails are ground,common. IF you just want to isolate the two main lines from another just remove the center rail pin. I would also check to see if you have enough voltage to each switch machine and I would use dedicated power not track power to activate your switches.Depending on the length of run from the transformer you may be having low power issues. Mike

To insulate the non-derailing trigger/trip rails.

OK,you didn't state what your problem was. After looking at the pictures it looked like you had insulated both,-the hot rail and your common ground. No need to insulate your outside rails(common).

Well, yes there is a need to insulate one of the common rails. That is what triggers the switch motor when the switch is approached to move the points and prevent derailment.

By the way, mlewski has it all working now. He did state the problem as the original poster. ADCX Rob replied to assist. 

All works like it should, there were some problems within two of the switch motors ( made overseas). I used a half track between them. Now to hook up the old Lionel #445 switch tower.